The Million Dollar Quartet Is In Baltimore

Click here to listen to WBAL's interview with the performers of The Million Dollar Quartet. Download This File

Portraying these icons are Robert Lyons as Carl Perkins; Martin Kaye as Jerry Lee Lewis; David Elkins as Johnny Cash; and Cody Slaughter as Elvis Presley. (Photo taken By WBAL's John Patti)

Recognized as one the most legendary rock ænÆ roll jam sessions in history, writer Bob Johnson later gave the four the name, The Million Dollar Quartet. (Photo taken By WBAL's John Patti)

The national tour of the Broadway musical, Million Dollar Quartet, is at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore through Sunday.

Directed by Eric Schaeffer, the international Tony Award Winning musical is inspired by a true story that has brought great meaning to the history of rock ænÆ roll.

Set on December 4, 1956, the musical focuses on a significant day in rock ænÆ roll history. Indeed, on this day, Sam Philipsùthe ôFather of Rock ænÆ Rollö ù brought legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together at the Sun Records storefront studio in Memphis.

Although the exact details of the dayÆs events are still disputed, it is acknowledged that an impromptu jam session did take place after Perkins and Lewis were joined by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The gathering was the first and only time that the legends united.

Recognized as one the most legendary rock ænÆ roll jam sessions in history, writer Bob Johnson later gave the four the name, The Million Dollar Quartet.

When asked about how they were able to connect with their roles, most of the actors agreed that they often listened to each iconÆs music in their childhood.

David Elkins, who plays Johnny Cash, Tells WBAL Radio " I grew up listening to strangely some of the same stuff that Johnny probably listened to. My grandmaÆs from rural Arkansas. She worked about 20 miles north of Johnny, picking cotton just like he did, and so some of the songs that they played in church were some of the same songs that my mom played for me.ö

While watching the musical, actors say that audiences will find themselves immersing into a legendary era from years ago as the performers sing hits, like ôBlue Suede Shoes,ö ôFeverö, ôSixteen Tons,ö and ôGreat Balls of Fire.ö

WBAL's John Patti got a behind the scenes look at the musical, and spoke with the performers. Make sure to click on the audio to hear the interviews.